Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint Instructions

What Is Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint?

Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint is used to decorate glass objects. It comes in a large range of vivid transparent glossy colours which can be mixed together to create other colours. Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint can be used to reproduce beautiful stained glass effects on glass objects such as vases, tealight holders, bottles, jars, windows, etc.

There is 26 transparent colours in the Vitrail range, which come in 45ml pots and 250ml bottles in the more popular colours. There is also 10 opale (opaque) colours available for a solid finish. Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint is solvent based (clean equipment thoroughly after use with white spirit) and colours have good light resistance and dry to a glossy finish. Stir the paints thoroughly before use.

How Do I Use Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint?

Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint is easy to use. To imitate a stained glass effect, use Vitrail Glass Paint with Pebeo Cerne Relief. Pebeo Cerne Relief is a water-based outliner that comes in a tube with a fine nozzle. It is available in a range of 7 colours and is used to create the outline of the design before applying the glass paint. Cerne Relief separates the colours giving a traditional stained glass look.

To start with, you will need a glass object and the following art materials:

We recommend using Pro Arte Acrylix Brushes to apply Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint because they are soft and will keep their shape when cleaned with white spirit / turpentine. The shape of brush that you choose is down to personal choice as it depends on how detailed your design is.

Step By Step Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint Instructions:

1. Firstly, clean the surface of your glass object with warm water, making sure that there are no grease marks on the object. Let it dry thoroughly.

2. Draw out your design onto a piece of paper and stick it behind your piece of glass (if it is a glass object such as a jar or a vase, place your drawing inside it).

3. Using a tube of Pebeo Cerne Relief, follow the outlines of your design. Sometimes it can take a bit of practice to get the hang of using the Cerne Relief so try it on a piece of paper or acetate first. If you do make a mistake, you can simply wipe the outliner off before it dries and re-apply it.

4. Once the Cerne Relief is dry (approximately 1 – 2 hours), using a soft brush, start filling in the shapes with Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint. If you can, lay your object flat to avoid the glass paint from running and drying unevenly.

Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint is usually touch dry within 1 – 2 hours and fully dry within 8 hours depending on the thickness of the paint application and the room temperature.

Painted objects and surfaces may be wiped clean but do not soak (they are resistant to glass cleaners). Objects painted with Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint are for decorative purposes only. If you wish to paint glass objects for actual use, such as wine glasses, plates, etc, then use Pebeo Vitrea 160 Glass Paints instead (a water-based glass paint).

For a more traditional ‘imitation lead’ stained glass effect, you can use the Pebeo Vitrail Lead Strip instead of the Cerne Relief. This is a 10 metre roll of self adhesive lead strip that is easy to cut, shape and bend.

Below is a video demonstrating how to use Pebeo Cerne Relief Outliners along with some helpful tips and techniques:

What Other Surfaces Can Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint Be Used On To?

Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint can be painted on to numerous surfaces other than glass, such as plastic, acetate, polyester, metal, mirrors, wood and even canvas! If you want to have a coloured lightbulb then paint it with Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint!

Vitrail glass paint can create some really interesting effects when painted on to canvas as it produces intense vibrant smooth glossy transparent colours. To see how effective Vitrail Glass Paints are when painted on to canvas, see the videos below:

You can also use Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint with a bath technique to create a marble effect on paper or canvas (Vitrail paints will sit on the top of the water bath because they are solvent based).

Mediums For Using With Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint:

There are a range of mediums available for using with Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint:

Pebeo Vitrail Matt Medium – This medium will give the Vitrail Glass Paints a frosted matt finish when mixed directly in to the paint.

Pebeo Vitrail No-Drip Medium – This medium should be mixed with Vitrail Paints when having to paint a glass object vertically, for example, a glass window or cylinder shaped vase. Simply mix a ratio of 30% – 50% of the No-Drip Medium directly into the Vitrail paint. This Medium does slow down the drying time of the paint but will give an even coverage. Touch dry in 2 hours, completely dry in 48 hours.

Pebeo Vitrail Glitter Medium – This medium adds a glittery sparkling effect when mixed either directly in to Vitrail Paints or when used over the top of dried colours.

Pebeo Vitrail Lightening Medium – Mix this medium directly into Vitrail colours to make the colours lighter without comprimsing the quality of the glass paint.

If you wish to thin Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint then mix it with odourless mineral spirits or white spirit.

Although Vitrail Glass Paints are very lighfast, if you are going to be placing your painted object in direct sunlight for long periods of time, we recommend that you use a UV varnish over the top. This will protect the colours from fading, espcially if the item is going in a conservatory for example.

Objects Decorated Using Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paints:

Below are some of the techniques that can be achieved with Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint:

You can use Vitrail Glass Paint but this is more for decorative use. If you intend to eat or drink from the object regularly, then it is better to use the Vitrea water based glass paint as this can be ‘fixed’ in the oven after air-drying to make it dishwasher safe and will with stand every day washing better. Alternatively, if you want to paint china mugs and plates, the Pebeo Porcelaine Paints would be more suitable. I hope that this helps!

Hi
I’m using pebeo vitrail solvent based paints for my glass paints…I m unable to achieve a even surface using brush…either it thins out..or leave behind the strokes while using brush..please suggest me …is their any other applicator for applying the paints
Priya

I use Pebeo Vitrail Glas Paints and find that the best brushes to apply the paint with are the Pro Arte Acrylix Brushes, in particular, the Filbert range. They are soft synthetic brushes that don’t leave any brush strokes and hold the paint really well so that you can apply it thickly enough. I make sure that I apply the paint quite thickly (it still remains transparent) and sort of ‘blob’ it on with the brush. These brushes are suitable for use with solvents and last really well providing that you clean them with white spirit after use.

You could always use a Pipette to drop the colour on too – this will ensure good paint coverage but if your painting a large area of colour it may be a bit time consuming. I defintely recommend the Acrylix Brushes though!

I would like the instruction book on Vitrail paint products (or Vitrea?). I want to paint on canvas. I saw the instruction manual when I bought the paints but didn’t buy it at that time, (at Michael’s). Now I want it and can’t find it. Michael’s not longer has the booklet. Can you help?

Try using WD-40. I know that it sounds crazy, but I used it to remove liquid whiteout of a rayon blouse. No damage to the material! It was awesome. I thought I had ruined the blouse. Of course, try it it a hidden spot if you are concerned.

Hope you can help. Am using the paints to add detail to my stained glass project. I cannot find anywhere the temperature and length of time to fire them in the oven. I checked their website and still could not find.

Hi Mary
These style paints are solvent-based and therefore should dry without being fired. They should be touch-dry after 1 hour and fully dry in 8 hours if the coats added are thin.
The paint can also be cleaned from the glass or thinned using White Spirit.
I hope this helps!
Emma

hi, I just wanted to ask how durable are vitrail glass paints. I do lots of painting on glass with them and I need to know how long they last. I know how they behave when exposed to light but what I want to know is do they crack or crumble with time
thanks for your response
kind regards
Anna

Hi Anna,
In our experiences with these paints, we have noticed that they are quite long-lasting and shouldn’t have any adverse problems over time. However, these paints are only decorative and are not artist’s materials, and therefore won’t perform in a way that other industrial materials would. My advice would be to make sure that you don’t put anything painted with Vitrail paints too close to any heat source (fire-places, radiators etc) and they should be ok.
If we can be of any further help, please feel free to get in touch,
Thanks for your question,
Emma

Hi
I am just wondering if pebeo cerne relief outliners for vitrail are solvent based too ?!!
I want to buy it but in description it said it is washable ! so I am a bit confused ! can I use them with vitreal solvent based colors?

At the end when the work has finished , what is your recommendation ? I mean for protecting the painting it should be covered by varnish ?

Hi Marria,
Thank you for your question. Cerne Relief will be fine to use along side Vitrail paints and can be used very successfully to create a wide range of effects.
In regards to the finished work, you can varnish the Vitrail paints using the Lightening Medium which is here:http://www.pullingers.com/p/919450/pebeo-vitrail-varnish-lightening-medium-45ml/
Please be aware however, that these paints are meant for decorative purposes and are not industrial, so some deterioration may occur over time.
I hope this is useful to you,
Kind regards,
Emma

Hi, I’m planning a party for my 8 year old and some of her friends. I have bought glass jars, pebeo vitrail 160 paints and cerne relief outliner. My question is, how long do they have to leave the outliner to dry before painting with the pebeo vitrail paints, and is the outliner ok to be cooked at 160? Cheers

I came a crossed a post to color jars. They used vi trail and lightening medium. And directions said to bake for 40 min in 325 oven. Is this ok. And then saw one also that used vitrea160 mixed with thinner or odorless mineral spirits baked the same. Is it ok

Vitrail paints are not suitable for baking as they are solvent based and are only suitable for air drying. Vitrea 160 can be baked and mixing this with the Pebeo Vitria 160 Thinner would be fine, but I would not recommend using an odourless mineral spirit as Vitrea 160 is a water based paint.
You can find the Vitrea 160 Thinner here: http://www.pullingers.com/p/919116/pebeo-vitrea-160-diluant-thinner-45ml/
I hope this answers your question,
Kind regards,
Emma

I am interesting in using the Vitrail paint to fill in diamond-leaded glass for several large windows in my house. I was going to use a mix of colours, but wasn’t sure what sort of area one 45mL pot would cover at 100% or 50% strength – would a single pot at 100% (mixed with the no-drip medium) cover a square meter? Or less? Could you give me an approximate area? Thanks!

I would suggest using 2 pots per square meter of Vitrail as one may not be quite enough to go that far. Mixing with the No-Drip medium sounds great, I hope you get the lovely windows that you are looking for!
Kind regards,
Emma

Hi Katy! How did your project work out? I’m also embarking on a window-painting project- large scale in India and would love some tips! What coverage did you end up with? Did you mix colors or use them straight from their original palette? What was it like working with the medium? Any information you can give me would be so helpful!

Hi, I am using the paints for decor for windows. Suncatcher type. Not necessarilly full sun. I read above that it would be a good idea to finish with a uv varnish. I am using the non bake paint with the cerne relief. Not really sure what to look for in a uv varnish for compatibility. I’m am just learning as I go. Can you recommend something please 🙂

Hello! I need some help ASAP! I recently bought Pebeo Vitrail discovery set transparent colors for glass. My intention was to paint on porcelain cups, saucers and tea pots. I used these paints on the porcelain and they turned out great! Do I need to cure these pieces in the oven or are they able to just air dry? Also, due to the paint that is on them are these pieces able to be used to drink tea out of and boil the water in the tea pot? My local craft store told me yes, but I was nervous because I told them I was looking for porcelaine 150 paint and they gave me the paint I listed above and because my intention was for these pots and cups and saucers to be used I want to make sure that I am curing they correctly or even if they are safe to be used with this paint on them. Thank you!

Pebeo Vitrail paints are solvent based and are air-drying. They are not intended for domestic use, and are only really for decorative purposes, so we would not recommend using them on anything that will be used for eating and drinking. Porcelaine 150 paints need to be baked in the oven, and can then be used on crockery and should be resistant to washing, even in a dishwasher. You can find more information about both of these paints on Pebeo’s website here: http://en.pebeo.com/Pebeo
Thanks for your question,
Kind Regards,
Emma

Hi, I recently purchased Pebeo Vitria 160 and want to paint some old doors with a stained glass effect. I will be using lead strips as well. My question is do I first paint the design and then bake it in a oven and only afterwards place lead strips or can one bake the lead strips as well? the reson I ask is I am worried the paint will run if I do not have the strips to catch the paint?

Vitrea 160 paints do need to be baked in the oven, but the lead strips cannot be baked. I would recommend painting your design on first and baking, and then adding the lead strips, or using Vitrail paints that air dry and do not need to be baked. You can find our range of Vitrail paints here: https://www.pullingers.com/c/500206/pebeo-vitrail-glass-paint
Thanks for your question,
Kind regards,
Emma

We used pebeo vitrail glass paint on acrylic (plexiglass) to be hung outdoors – do we need to varnish it? If so, what kind of varnish do you recommend. We bought a varnish intended to go plastic Krylar that can go outdoors.

Hi. I make faux stained glass windows using the flood fill method but when applying a second coat the paint reacts with the first coat resulting in bubbling and lifting. Can you advise please? Many thanks

Vitrail paints are solvent based and this may be causing the bubbling, as they react with each other. You could try using Vitrail Lightening Medium as a varnish between layers which may work for you, but having not tried it myself I couldn’t say for sure.
Thanks for your question,
Kind regards,

Hi. I am just learning to use Vitrail, Prism and Moon products, on a small scale project, with the intent on doing a faux stained glass window. I noticed that all three “paints” appear to “shrink away” the Cerne outline, leaving bits of clear uncoloured glass. How can I avoid this? Last question is, my final project will be exposed to the elements, so what is the best way to protect it?
Thanks ,

Hi Anne,
Pebeo Cerne Relief should stay in place when used alongside Vitrail, Fantasy Prisme & Moon Fantasy Paints, but make sure it is funny dry before adding the paint as that might be the cause of the shrinkage.
A U.V Varnish would be best suited if your finished work is going to be in direct sunlight, but please be aware that these paints are only for decorative use and will not withstand too much when placed outside in the elements.
Thanks for your question,
Kind Regards,
Emma

hi,
I am doing a large size glass painting for decorative purpose to be put up in a big lobby area. I have doubts regarding the liner that I can use. Should I use the lead strips or the cerne relief liners. What do you suggest. If I use cerne liner can I use reverse side for display. I am unable to find a thinner for the paints by pabeo where I live. Is it alright for me to use thinner from some other brand. I need your suggestion kindly guide me.

I sponge painted 11 watt lightbulbs for my outdoor pergola using your vitrea 160 workbox for glass. I love the result while they are air drying. Is it safe to put lightbulbs in the oven or is this not necessary since they will not be placed in a dishwasher etc.

I have the Vitrail glass paints and Cerne Relief to create a stained glass effect on the outside of a 6″ square vase. I will be using it as a candle holder (vase is very thick glass). You’ve stated in earlier posts that these paints should not be used near fire/heat. Assuming it damages the paint on the outside, my question is, would the heat from a candle flame inside the vase damage the paint on the outside? Thanks for your help!

Greeting sir. Please I need your counsel on how to prevent UV effect on glass painted with cold vitrail. i have being using vitrail glass paint on church windows but I realised they fade because of ultraviolet radiation. PLEASE HOW CAN I PREVENT THE FADING? thanks

We are using Vitrail transparent paints on jam jars, and most of the colours we have used ( turquoise, violet etc) give a good depth of colour but some such as Parma and sky blue give a very weak effect. Is this how they should be, and is there any way of finding out when buying online which colours will give a good depth of colour?

Hi,
I intend to colour amber some transparent car light lenses in order to convert them to indicators. I had intended to paint the inside of the lens to protect it from weathering. The lights will use flashing LED bulbs so they will not get hot. Trouble is, the lenses are plastic not glass (I now find) after I have bought the Vitrea 160 paints. Can I use these on plastic? Do they need to be cured at the full 160 degrees or would a lower temperature give them sufficient durability?
What do you think? Jeff

Hi, I have been trying to use the vitrail on canvas and on glass. I find that it’s OK if I do the project all in one go when all the paints are wet but if I let them dry then add a sketch on top which I then want to colour in a different colour vitrail, it separates and cracks. Same experience on canvas and on glass.
Paints are new..only bought 2 weeks ago so should be OK.
Any ideas what I’m doing wrong please.
Thanks Marie

You keep mentioning uv varnish but dont give details of a suitable product, do you know of any product and its compatibility with vitrail when painted over the dried paint? And what is the stability of the uv garnish itself?

Can I add more layers with a Vitrea 160, it is thin in spots and I would like it to look more opaque,, as it is a dark Black outlined shield, with solid areas on glass..After it is dry?? But before baking.This is my 1st time using these . I am trying to repair a tumbler set..

Hi, I have some low voltage pathway lights that the paint has chipped & peeled off. Can I use Vitrail transparent Paint on them. The globes are seeded glass in the shape of a lily in two colors. The top part is yellow and the tips of the lily are painted in a dark red color. Also what can I use to protect them from chipping and peeling off again?

I have purchased Vitrail paint to re-paint a stained glass poppy design on a conservatory window. (The original stained glass design on just one panel has crumbled for some unknown reason) The outline relief is on the outside of the double glazed unit. My question is – do I need to use a varnish when it is finished, and how long is it likely to last?

I have an old set of Pebeo Vitrea 160, from a ket with VCR tape How to Paint on Glass. The bottles are half full and very thick. Is it worth it to try to re-suspend the paint and what would you use? The kit was never opened until today. 8-28-17. Thanks for your help.

Hi, I’m currently working on a mixed media canvas (acrylics, vitrail, fantasy prisme & moon plus copper flakes). I’m going to use Golden soft gel medium as an isolation coat over the acrylic paint but then I need a varnish I can apply over the whole thing. Any suggestions please? Thank you

i am having trouble with my vitrail paints. i am new to glass painting and found thay these were highly recommended. i am painting on glass vases and the paint just wont stay. i have let the projects sit for up to 24 hours and the paint scratches off quite easily and when glass cleaner is applied it does not stay. is ther something im missing? any help would be appreciated.

Hi, I used Pebeo lead strips on my vertical window ,Beautiful but after finishing painting.The next day I noticed paint on the Pebeo lead strips.Can you pleas tell me if there is something that will clean it off? Thank you!

Hi, I used Pebeo lead strips on my vertical window ,Beautiful but after finishing painting.The next day I noticed paint on the Pebeo lead strips.Can you please tell me if there is something that will clean it off? Thank you!

If I’m not planning to bake the decorated item, what’s the worst that might happen if I mix the vitreal paint with a vitrea 160 medium? Thought I’d ask before trying it out, I know they’re different bases, but wondered if they’d mix ok if only air drying. Many thanks.

I am so interested in learning how to paint the beautiful plates I have seen online. But, nothing I can find is in English. So I don’t understand how to do them.
How do I paint the entire bottom of the plate with the Vitrea 160 and get full coverage without it looking uneven? Is there something I can add to the paint to thicken it up?
I bought the Vitrea 160 paints and liner. Do they have to be baked in the oven? Also, how do I clean the brushes after using Vitrea 160?

Hi, can you please give me some advice. I use Pebeo transparent vitrail to paint on metal and I use clear cast resin to finish my project. However, some of the vitrail colors (like red, blue, purple, black) make a reaction with the polyester casting resin and their edges pop up. some of the colors are just amazing and nothing happens. My question is whether I can use any sealer to fix the color on the metal and then to proceed with the resin without causing any damages.

hi, i am intending to paint on a glass jar which will be used as a lantern (a candle will be placed inside it). is it advisable for me to use Pebeo Vitrail Glass Paint? Also, is it possible to clean the design with a damp cloth after it has dried?

I am looking for paints that I can use on glass for outdoor yard ornamentation. I read about your pebeo glass paints, and thought they would be perfect. However, from some of the posts above, it says that they will not withstand the outdoor elements. I bought the vitrail discovery set, because I want the glass to have a stained glass effect. Now I am wondering if the Vitrea 160 would be better because it would be baked, and water resistant. Are any of your paints designed to withstand the elements, and be painted on glass? Thank you.

Hello. I’m confused. Can Vitrail be used to color a 60-watt incandescent light bulb that will be turned on for more than 8 hours per day? The info here says it’s OK to use it on light bulbs but it also says to keep it away from heat sources. So, my question is, would a 60-watt bulb burning more than 8 hours a day be too much (dangerous) heat for the paint? Would a 40-watt bulb be any better? Thanks very much for your help.

Latest images

Welcome to the Pullingers Blog - An online portal where we post exciting things about art and craft supplies
Whether you’re a newbie or an advanced artist, our blog is here to provide you with the resources to enhance your knowledge!